Brake Disc Pads problems of the 2006 Toyota Scion Xa

I own a 2006 Scion Xa. I have owned the vehicle since new bought oct 2005. My car has an inconsistent braking system. The brakes feels as if they have a gap of air that prevents them from stopping the car and the pedal jerks beneath my foot. I live in boston and the failure appears more often in cold and slush/snow conditions. The brakes are frightening because they have failed at several pedestrian crosswalks and under "needed" or accident prevention circumstances. I had the brakes checked at the local woburn Toyota dealer and was told they were fine. Upon a second maintenance service the same Toyota dealer told me it was due to "hot spots". I complained to Toyota because the vehicle was under factory warranty. Even though the vehicle at the time has less than 20k miles, they stated that it was my fault. I argued my point on the phone with no response. I filed an e-mail complaint through Toyotas customer survey and then for safety reasons and concern of the well being of my children and myself, I did as suggested by the dealer and replaced the rotors and brake pads. By the next winter of 2008 my vehicle braking systems heartbreakingly enough had the exact same brake system failure. This has been a continued problem since owning this vehicle. The date listed below is the most recent incident however there have been no less than 20 other occurrences. I will always try to test my brakes to make sure they are still working before leaving my driveway in bad weather conditions.

The interior front disc pads constantly rub, grind and wear out on my Scion Xa 2006. I was told by a Toyota technician (there is a defect in the design of the front brakes) that if the brakes are inspected and I am told they have lots of wear left - they are not reporting the wear on the inner wheel pads because of a defect in design. This has caused I believe much brake fading during normal city freeway stop and go.

- the contact called regarding a 2006 Toyota Scion Xa. The contact stated that when stopping the vehicle the brakes will lock and the car would skid. There were no warning indicators. This failure occurred intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer ,and the problem was diagnosed as hard braking . The contact stated that all four tires wore out and needed to be replaced at 7700 miles. She took the vehicle to the dealer recently, and was told that the brake pads cracked and worn and need to be replaced. This is due to heavy and hard braking.